Pan Pizza: Smaller, But Why?

Pan pizza is a pizza baked in a deep dish pan or sheet pan. The bottoms and sides of the crust become fried and crispy in the oil used to coat the pan. Pan pizza is also used to refer to the thick style popularized by Pizza Hut in the 1960s. The smallest pizza size is called a pan pizza or personal pizza and has a diameter of 6-7 inches. A larger pizza will be cheaper per square inch. A 14-inch pizza contains 4x more pizza than a 7-inch one.

Pan pizza is the smallest pizza size

The small pizza size is usually 8-10 inches in diameter, with a more variable area of 50-78.5 square inches. A small pizza can serve two adults and up to three children.

The next size up is the medium pizza, which has a diameter of 12 inches and contains 113 square inches of pizza. This size can feed approximately three adults and four children.

A large pizza is 14 inches in diameter and contains 153.9 square inches of pizza. It can serve around four adults and five to six children.

Finally, an extra-large pizza is 16 inches in diameter and has an area of 201.1 square inches. This size can feed four to five adults and around six to seven children.

It is worth noting that these sizes are not universal and may vary slightly between different pizza brands and local shops. However, the provided numbers serve as excellent estimates.

In terms of value, while ordering a smaller pizza may seem cheaper, it is not always the most cost-effective option. An informal study found that the price per square inch of pizza is lower for larger pizzas, making them a better deal.

Pan pizza has the least amount of pizza per slice

Pan pizza, also known as deep-dish pizza, is a style of pizza that is baked in a deep dish or sheet pan. Turin-style pizza, Italian tomato pie, Sicilian pizza, Chicago-style pizza, and Detroit-style pizza are all considered forms of pan pizza. The defining characteristic of pan pizza is the thick crust, which was popularized by Pizza Hut in the 1960s. The bottoms and sides of the crust become fried and crispy from the oil used to coat the pan.

While pan pizza may be more substantial than other styles due to its thick crust, it does not necessarily mean that it is larger in terms of surface area. In fact, when comparing pizzas of the same diameter, pan pizza tends to have the least amount of pizza per slice. This is because a pan pizza is typically cut into fewer, thicker slices, resulting in a smaller amount of pizza per serving.

For example, a personal pan pizza at Pizza Hut has a diameter of 6 inches and is cut into 4 slices. In contrast, a small pizza, with a diameter of 10 inches, is usually cut into 6 slices, and a medium pizza, with a diameter of 12 inches, is typically cut into 8 slices. Therefore, each slice of a pan pizza contains a larger portion of the crust, leaving less room for toppings.

The number of slices per pizza can vary depending on the pizzeria or the person cutting the pizza, but the principle remains the same. A pizza with more slices will generally provide a larger amount of pizza per slice, as the crust is divided into smaller portions. This is why pan pizzas, with their thicker crusts and fewer slices, offer a smaller amount of pizza per slice compared to pizzas of similar sizes with thinner crusts and more slices.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the size of a pizza is not always consistent, even within the same pizzeria. Handmade pizzas may vary in size due to human error or differences in dough preparation and baking techniques. However, the general principle still applies: the number of slices and the thickness of the crust will determine the amount of pizza per slice, regardless of the pizza's diameter.

Pan pizza is a thick-crust pizza

The process of making pan pizza involves preparing dough balls and spreading them inside a deep pan to get the desired shape. The pan is coated with a thin layer of oil before baking, which gives the crust a golden-brown and fried appearance. The high temperature and oil in the pan also contribute to the characteristic crispiness of the crust.

The thick and sturdy crust of pan pizza can support more cheese, sauce, and toppings than hand-tossed pizza. The crust is often stuffed with a generous amount of cheese, resulting in a softer texture. The combination of a crispy, golden-brown crust and a juicy, cheese-filled interior makes pan pizza a popular choice for those who enjoy a thick slice with plenty of toppings.

While the size of a pan pizza may vary depending on the pan used, the crust thickness and preparation technique remain consistent. The dough is shaped into a ball, oiled, and gently pressed into the pan, resulting in a thick and fluffy crust that is characteristic of pan pizza.

In summary, pan pizza is distinguished by its thick and fluffy crust, achieved through the use of a deep pan and a specific preparation technique. The crust's thickness allows for an abundance of cheese and toppings, making it a delicious option for those who enjoy a hearty and indulgent slice of pizza.

Pan pizza is baked in a deep dish pan

The process of making a pan pizza starts with mixing and kneading the dough, which consists of flour, yeast, sugar, salt, water, and oil. The dough is then left to rise in a greased mixing bowl, covered with a clean tea towel, for about an hour or until it has doubled in size. After rising, the dough is rolled out into a large rectangle and then placed in an oiled deep pan, usually measuring around 25 x 35 cm (9 x 12 inches). The edges of the dough are rolled over to fit inside the pan and form a thick crust.

Once the dough is in the pan, it undergoes a second rise or proofing, again covered with a clean tea towel, until it has doubled in size. During this time, the oven is preheated to a temperature of approximately 220°C. After the final rise, the dough is prepared for baking by pressing holes into it with fingertips, avoiding the crust. A generous amount of tomato sauce is then spread over the base, followed by various toppings and mozzarella cheese.

The pizza is baked in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. It is recommended to place the pan on a baking sheet to catch any potential spills. The result is a pan pizza with a doughy base, a thick layer of sauce, and a crunchy, flaky crust.

While the size of a pan pizza can vary, it is generally understood that the deep dish style allows for a more substantial pizza with a thicker base and more toppings. The focus is on the depth and abundance of the pizza rather than its diameter, which may differ based on the size of the pan used.

Pan pizza is also known as a personal pizza

Pan pizza is a style of pizza baked in a deep dish or sheet pan. Turin-style pizza, Italian tomato pie, Sicilian pizza, Chicago-style pizza, and Detroit-style pizza may be considered forms of pan pizza. Pan pizza is also characterised by its thick, golden, and crispy crust, which is achieved by baking it in a hot oven and a cast-iron pan. The bottom of the crust becomes fried and crispy from the oil used to coat the pan.

The personal pan pizza, also known as the Pizza Hut Pan Pizza, is a type of pan pizza. It is smaller than the average pizza, with a diameter of 6 inches, and it is designed to be a single serving. The personal pan pizza was introduced by Pizza Hut in the 1960s and has since become a popular choice for those who want a quick, easy, and relatively cheap meal.

The personal pan pizza is an example of effective "pizzanomics", a term used to describe the best value pizza in terms of price and size. While a smaller pizza is cheaper, it is not always the most cost-effective option. The price per square inch of a pizza is calculated by dividing the price by the number of square inches of the pizza's surface area. Using this calculation, it is often found that larger pizzas offer a better price per square inch, making them a more economical choice.

The personal pan pizza, with its small size and thick crust, is an exception to the rule that bigger is better when it comes to pizzanomics. Its smaller diameter means that, despite its thick crust, it still offers a decent amount of pizza for the price. The personal pan pizza is a good option for those who want a quick, filling meal without having to worry about leftovers or overeating.

In conclusion, the pan pizza, with its characteristic thick and crispy crust, is a popular style of pizza that includes the personal pan pizza, a smaller, single-serving option that offers good value for money.

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